chief white house correspondent ed henry is live in honolulu with more. ed, for the first time, people like joe lieberman are saying i really think we'll go over the cliff. what do you hear? >> reporter: it's a real possibility, you're right. we're a week out. people on both sides have been talking this thing to death. it might need a christmas miracle at this point to avoid going off the cliff. the president scaled back plan basically would extend unemmoment benefits for two million people who will lose them a week after christmas if there is no deal. he also wants to extend tax cuts for 98% of americans. you heard him talk about that again and again. that level of $250,000 or less. the republicans have not afreed to that on the hill obviously. when you talk to folks like senator lindsey graham, they say the big issue is not taxes, it is spending cuts. take a listen. >> if you want leaders you have to lead. the president has been a pathetic fiscal leader. he produces three budgets and can't get one vote for any of his budgets. here is what i would vote,